Arjun Menon
FC Porto pulled off one of the most unexpected moves of the summer window with the unveiling of Luuk de Jong as their new striker. The 24-year-old Dutchman was presented just moments before the pre-season clash against Atletico Madrid, donning the No. 26 shirt.
De Jong joins the Portuguese giants on a free transfer following the end of his contract with PSV Eindhoven, where he cemented his legacy across two stints. In the 2024/25 season, he netted 18 goals in 47 appearances. The previous year, he clinched the Eredivisie Golden Boot with 29 goals, sharing the title with Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis.
A Proven Winner Arrives
With six Dutch league titles and a Europa League medal from his time at Sevilla, De Jong brings both pedigree and leadership to Porto. His resume spans spells at Barcelona, Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach, Newcastle United, and FC Twente. He also captained PSV during back-to-back league triumphs before opting for a new challenge abroad.
Though clubs in Saudi Arabia and Serie A most notably Fiorentina were heavily linked with the forward, it’s Porto who secured his signature, influenced in part by new manager Francesco Farioli, formerly of Ajax.
КОМАНДА. Source: Official Website
What He Brings to Porto
The addition of De Jong adds significant depth and experience to Porto’s frontline. He’ll compete with Spanish rising star Samu and Turkish striker Deniz Gül for a starting spot though De Jong’s aerial dominance and penalty-box instincts could quickly elevate him to first-choice status.
At international level, he has earned 39 caps for the Netherlands and featured in EURO 2012, EURO 2020, and the 2022 World Cup. His international experience complements a Porto side aiming to reclaim domestic dominance and make noise in Europe under a revamped managerial vision.
For FC Porto fans and football bettors alike, this signing shifts the dynamic of the team’s attacking strategy. With De Jong now in the mix, expect more direct play and set-piece threat hallmarks of his well-established skillset.